Recovery Home Supports Women on Chicago’s Southwest Side
Posted on 27. Apr, 2012 by citizen in Local News, South End
Women at Inner Peace Corp. Sober Living Spaces pose for a photograph with Alderman JoAnn Thompson (16th). According to Belinda Carlie, executive director, Thompson gave a poignant personal testimony about a turbulent period in her life at an event on April 15. (L to R) Kathleen Tate, executive director, Lisa Woodard, Debra Bracey, Nicole Lindquist, Ald. JoAnn Thompson, Belinda Carlie, executive director, and Latisha Wright. (Photo Credit: Tammy Amos)
Inner Peace Corp. Sober Living Spaces for Women is structurally two separate recovery homes on Chicago’s Southwest Side dedicated to helping women re-enter society after suffering from addiction and/or homelessness.
Co-Founders and Executive Directors Belinda Carlie and Kathleen Tate work tirelessly on behalf of the recovery homes to help women get on their feet and re-build their lives.
Carlie told the Chicago Citizen that the recovery homes are sober living spaces—meaning it’s an independent living area for women after they complete treatment for drugs or alcoholism.
Carlie also said most of Inner Peace Corp.’s intake population comes from treatment centers and that there’s a partnership in place to receive women from the centers once they finish treatment.
The organization began in 2009 and has two locations in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood at 5760 S. Wood St. and 5730 S. Talman Ave. Together, both homes can house between 15-20 women. Carlie told the Chicago Citizen that there is currently a combined total of eight women housed at the homes. The women pay rent and the homes are run and operated by the occupants but are overseen by Carlie and Tate.
Members of the Boy Scouts of America and co-founders and executive directors, Kathleen Tate (left), Alderman JoAnn Thompson (center) and Belinda Carlie (right) pose for a photo after the young men donated 500 towels to Inner Peace Corp. Sober Living Spaces on April 15.
Inner Peace Corp.’s work is recognized throughout the community and on April 15, members of the Boy Scouts of America donated 500 towels and bars of soap to the organization. The presentation was held at the Talman Ave. home, where 60 people were in attendance.
Moreover, Power Circle Congregation, a local church located on Chicago’s Southeast side has played an instrumental role in the homes’ development. The church often donates personal care items and furniture to the organization.
Both homes are located in the 16th Ward where Alderman Jo Ann Thompson is at the helm. Thompson was present at the towel presentation event and gave a powerful personal testimony about her bout with homelessness and drug addiction, according to Carlie. Carlie also said that Thompson welcomed the shelter’s positive work in the community.
Inner Peace Corp will host an open house on May 5, 3:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m. The event is aimed to let the public get a glimpse of the positive impact the recovery homes have on their occupants and on the community. It is open to the public and will feature free raffles, food and karaoke.
Women interested in housing should e-mail ipcsoberlivingspacesforwomen@comcast.net or call 773-744-0613 for an interview.
By Thelma Sardin
Twitter: @thelmasardin
